Guyana has protested to Venezuela concerning an incursion by its Coast Guard into Guyana’s waters. This protest cites the 1899 Arbitral Award defining maritime boundaries and emphasizes Guyana’s sovereignty over its Exclusive Economic Zone. The actions by Venezuela, including military escalations, are viewed as provocative and a threat to regional stability, with Guyana actively engaging the international community on this issue.
The Government of Guyana has officially lodged a protest with Venezuela over an incursion by the Venezuelan Coast Guard into Guyana’s waters. In its communication, Guyana reminded Venezuela that all activities authorized within its Exclusive Economic Zone are entirely compliant with the maritime boundaries established by the Arbitral Award of 1899, which delineated the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela.
The letter emphasized that, in accordance with international law, Guyana holds sovereignty up to 12 nautical miles in its territorial sea and sovereign rights beyond that in its Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf. The Guyana Government condemned Venezuela’s actions as threatening to peace, order, and security in its territory, as well as to the broader stability of the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Guyana characterized Venezuela’s maneuver as provocative, expressing concern over Venezuela’s continued encroachments into its land and maritime territory. This protest also highlighted Venezuela’s obligations under international law, particularly referencing a December 1, 2023, Order from the International Court of Justice, which restricts Venezuela from any actions that would alter the situation of the disputed territory.
Additionally, the Government reiterated that it possesses exclusive rights to administer the Essequibo Region until the Court delivers a final judgment, and that it has the right to control adjacent maritime areas. The aggressive behavior exhibited by Venezuela’s naval fleet, constituting a violation of the Court’s directive, is of particular concern, escalating previously heightened tensions.
This protest follows Venezuela’s announcement of plans to hold elections for a Governor in Guyana’s Essequibo region, an act that Guyana views as hostile and inconsistent with mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Guyana has noted recent Venezuelan actions, including military build-up and construction of strategic infrastructures such as a bridge to Ankoko Island, which possesses implications for regional security.
In response to these developments, the Government of Guyana stated its commitment to peaceful diplomacy and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. However, it firmly opposes any efforts at annexation or threats to its territorial integrity, including those to its licensees operating in maritime areas adjacent to the Essequibo Region.
The incident has been communicated to international bodies, including the United Nations and regional organizations, with Guyana pledging to keep the global community informed on any further developments regarding this situation.
The confrontation between Guyana and Venezuela has escalated following Venezuela’s Coast Guard incursion into Guyana’s waters. Guyana firmly asserts its territorial rights based on historical and legal precedents, while expressing deep concerns over Venezuela’s aggressive military actions and political maneuvers in the region. The Government remains committed to peaceful resolutions and has reached out to the international community for support and awareness regarding its sovereignty.
Original Source: newssourcegy.com
